…A family of four could live about 2 years off the bread produced by one acre of wheat. It also may delay maturity, increase weed competition, and fail to make use of the plant's full yield potential. This browser is no longer supported. Figure 1 illustrates average wheat yield per hectare for each typical farm. Nebraska growers use seeding rates for winter wheat that vary from 30 to 180 lb per acre (320,000 to almost 3,000,000 seeds per acre). Seeding rates can be reduced for products that tiller well and are planted timely in good soil conditions. …One 60-pound bushel of wheat provides about 42 pounds of white flour, 60 to 73 loaves of bread (depending on the size of the loaf and whether the bread is whole wheat), or 42 pounds of pasta. How many winter wheat seeds should be planted per acre? Historically, wheat growers often calculated their seeding rate based on pounds of seed per acre; however, seed size varies and it's now recommended that growers calculate their seeding rate using seeds per acre to provide more accurate seeding results. The dry grain yield in bushels per acre is multiplied by 51.9 and then divided by 2,000 to obtain the number of dry tons of straw produced. Quantifying tillers is important for management practices. Winter wheat is capable of compensating among yield components, which often results in similar grain yields being produced across a fairly wide range of seeding rates. Average wheat yield for the farms in 2013 to 2016 was 66.8 bushels per acre (4.49 metric tons per hectare). The amount of protein in the seed, not the protein percentage, is very important to early seedling vigor. More information at http://www.climate.com/disclaimers. Seed for planting should be above 85% germination. Consult your seed brand representative for more information on products best-adapted to your geography and the specific agronomic needs of your farm. If producers use test weight as a seed quality measurement, they should use a seed test weight above 57 lb per bushel. So a bushel of wheat is 51.9 pounds of dry grain. Seed Cleaning and Germinability. Germination should be found on the seed tag. First, use the operator's manual to set the seeder. 273 113 12 5 66 Calories per pound. “This is closer to one pound of nitrogen per bushel versus the 2 to 2.5 pounds nitrogen per bushel the university suggests is required,” he says. Grain test weight often is used as a measure of seed quality, but test weight is a bulk density or a weight-per-volume measurement, and small seed that packs well can have a high test weight. These do not guarantee results. After seed germinability has been determined, the seeding rate can be determined. Spring wheat is seeded at higher population compared to winter wheat. A few varieties grown in Nebraska have small seed with a lower TKW, but their seed is still suitable for planting. Wheat has traditionally been planted by the pound. Leading U.S. states for wheat yield per harvested acre 2017-2019 U.S. wheat exports by major countries of destination 2018 Total U.S. rye plantings and harvestings 2000-2019 If planting is delayed beyond early October, the optimal rate is 150 pounds or 2-1/2 bushels per acre. The lower rates are most common in drier areas. Some parts of this site work best with JavaScript enabled. ©2020 Bayer Group. For a grain yield of 7,500 pounds per acre, sorghum needs approximately 25 inches of water during the growing season. Wheat needs 60 heads to 70 heads per square foot at harvest for full yield potential. To some extent, wheat is inherently capable of compensating for factors that influence yield. Large seed may have a lower protein percentage than small, shriveled seed, but because it is larger, it may have more total protein per seed. Pounds of actual N = (1.33 x yield potential) – 13. For winter wheat, seeding rates should be increased if planting is delayed to … Consult your agronomist, commodities broker and other service professionals before making financial, risk management, and farming decisions. This year’s 105-bushel wheat was achieved with no more than 105 pounds of actual nitrogen applied as the nitrogen source, with another 10 pounds of nitrogen in the starter fertilizer, Wert says. QuickRoots® is a registered trademark of Novozymes. In the 2014 Nebraska Winter Wheat Variety Evaluation for 14 trials, winter wheat yields ranged from a low of 24 to a high of 127 bushels per acre. Seeding rates tailored to wheat products can help farmers maximize the return on their seed investment while helping mitigate risks associated with under or over seeding. Precise and approximate (in parentheses) metric conversions are in the next column. “Then, we come back with that much again about midspring, for a total of 100 to 120 pounds.” Too much N, especially in one shot, and the wheat is more prone to lodging and disease, he says. Too much competition, even among small grain plants, may lead to fewer kernels per head and lower kernel weight. If we calculate the average yield for all of these crops we find it to be 10,642 pounds per one acre of land. The higher rates are used for irrigated wheat which often is seeded in narrower rows and later in the season since it often follows another crop rather than fallow. With seeding rate determined, how can we be sure the seeder plants the desired amount? Seeding rate (pounds per acre) = [desired stand / (1 - expected stand loss)] / [(seeds per pound) x percent germination] Optimal stand The optimum stand of winter wheat is 900,000 to 1,000,000 plants per acre or 21 to 23 plants per square feet. At a 60 pounds per acre seeding rate, this will deliver 18 seeds to 22 seeds per square foot. Pay close attention to each characteristic in Table 2 as this may require specific modifications in your production practices to achieve the best yield and quality of grain. All rights reserved. The statistical information listed In the tables below represent a crop-by-crop average yield of 47 foods (in pounds per acre), according to two different sources. Environmental conditions, including weather and soil fertility, affect stress on stems and vegetative growth. This can affect weed growth, delay maturity, and create an over-reliance on tillering. Compare these yields to that of small grains (wheat or cereal rye mixed with ryegrass) interseeded into warm­ season grass sod (black line) from mid­September to mid­October. Please switch to a supported browser: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari. Smaller, lighter seeds can cause over seeding and could lead to lodging, increased disease, and greater input costs. The highest production of wheat on an acre of land is about 50 bushels (57 last year in Kansas). Pounds 35 no 100 20 20 40 16 34 35 14 1 0 24 Live (poimds). Seed cleaning and sizing is essential to remove straw, chaff, dirt, … If planting is delayed past the optimum time period, the initial stand should be increased by 1 percent for each day planting is delayed. of 2,250 pounds of forage DM/acre. 350 20 5 216 103 Doien. Precise conversions are used for exact technical analysis. So how much wheat is a bushel? On average, there are 22 seeds per head and 5 heads per plant, or 110 seeds per plant. For dryland winter wheat in western Nebraska, row spacings of 10 to 14 inches are recommended. Instead, seed weight is the critical factor. There are several options. This range can be as many as 10,000 to as much as 20,000 seeds per pound. Pounit. Data from 2013 to 2015 including 12 hard red spring wheat products planted across Minnesota and North Dakota demonstrates tillering can be predictive. Winter wheat seeded late because of weather or following harvest of another crop may require a 30-60% increase in seeding rate. Tall wheat products, fields with high yield potential, and over seeding can lead to plants susceptible to lodging. Soft White Wheat is used in flat breads, cakes, biscuits, pastries, crackers, Asian-style noodles and snack foods. Moses Lake, Washington, farmer Derek Friehe produced 206.70 bushels per acre in an irrigated field of Limagrain “Jet” variety winter wheat – earning the nation’s top wheat yield, as tabulated by the National Wheat Foundation in the 2020 National Wheat Yield Contest. It may be beneficial to increase seeding rates for products that tiller less, are planted later than the optimum, or are planted in rough seedbed conditions. ($) Total Farm Value ($'000) Evaluating seed product yield test data from two or more years and multiple locations can provide a more accurate indication of the potential performance of each wheat product. It becomes quickly apparent that each lot planted at 60 pounds per acre would give vastly different plant populations. Since wheat seed varies in seed size (seeds/lb) and germination rates, the following equation can be used to determine seeding rate in pounds per acre. However, using seeding rates that are too low can lead to excessive tillering. For more efficient applications, use 10 to 15 lb. “We recommend 30 to 50 pounds per acre of N with conventional tillage and 40 to 60 pounds with no-till,” says Lee. 267 171 Dozen. Seed size ranged from a low of 10,700 seeds per pound to a high of 16,400 seeds per pound. Also, higher yield potential requires higher seeding rates. Seeding rates are typically expressed as seeds per acre or pounds per acre. Since wheat seed varies in seed size (seeds/lb) and germination rates, the following equation can be used to determine seeding rate in pounds per acre. In the range of acceptable seeding rates, shorter wheat products with strong straw can be planted at higher seeding rates with less risk of lodging. Seeding 40 lb of seed with a weight of 15,000 seed per pound has a yield potential of 60 bushels per acre. Weed competition can be reduced by using narrower row spacings. UNL recommends that growers base wheat seeding rates on seeds per acre not pounds per acre because of wide variances in the number of seeds per pound. Therefore, the yield for 1/4 acre is 1/4 of that, or 2660 pounds. Taking a germination test is essential to determine the seed viability. Large seed tends to tiller more than small seeds; however, small dense kernels are better than large, light kernels. An acre of 660 by 66 international feet. Climate FieldView™ services provide estimates or recommendations based on models. 35,000 lbs per acre Worth $7,980/acre Storage Onions 65,000 lbs per acre Worth $5,206/acre Potatoes 61,000 lbs per acre Worth $4,090/acre 4,296 lbs per acre Worth $485/acre Fresh Sweet Corn 16,500 lbs per acre Worth $6,540/acre Hops 2,200 lbs per acre Worth $6,050/acre In general, an initial stand of 30 to 32 plants/ft2, which is about 1.3 to 1.4 million plants/acre, maximizes yield potential. Seed Cleaning and Germinability. Another factor affecting seed quality is the protein content of the seed. Large, dense seeds are considered to be of better quality than low test weight seeds. Seeding Rate (lbs/acre) = ((desired stand in plants per acre)/ (1-expected stand loss))/ ((seeds per pound)X (% germinaton)) Communications Bldg.Lincoln, NE 68583-0918. The expected stand loss can vary between 10 and 20 percent, depending on seedbed conditions. Table 2 shows the yield potential of winter wheat seeded on the recommended seeding date at 18 seeds per foot of row with 80% germination and emergence (stand establishment). With these varieties, producers should use the largest seed they can obtain. As mentioned earlier, new crop wheat bids in eastern Arkansas currently range from $4.22 to $4.45. S per acre with the drill at planting. This later seeding date reduces tillering and requires higher seeding rates to compensate for the reduction. An international pound of 0.45359237 kilograms. In the seed-cleaning process, a gravity table will remove the light seed. With an average seed size of 15,000 seeds per pound or 900,000 seeds per bushel, a pound of average-sized seed with 80% germination and emergence has a yield potential of approximately 1.5 bushels per acre. Soft white winter wheat has a broad optimum seeding rate range and rates of about 120 pounds or 2 bushels per acre usually result in the highest grain and straw yields. Here is some information and average numbers from a friend of mine who grows wheat to sell to folks who make their own flour. With the good conditions for seed fill in 2014, there was less variation in seed size than in 2013 when the seed size in the variety test ranged from a low of 12,000 seeds per pound to a high of 23,000 seeds per pound, a 192% difference in seed size. When weight is used for wheat seeding rates, a seed size difference of this magnitude can result in a 153% difference in seeding rate. Bushels. Ask your wheat seed dealer about seed counts for the wheat product you purchase. These fields only produced about 750 pounds of forage DM/acre by November and Actually, a high thousand kernel weight (TKW) is a better measurement of seed quality. Table 3 provides the pounds of seed needed per acre for 6- to 14-inch row spacings and seed sizes of 12,000 to 18,000 seeds per pound, based on 18 seeds per foot of row. Estimated nutrient requirements for grain sorghum based on stage of growth are presented in Table 4. A general goal is to manage fields so each plant produces three tillers. The number of heads per pure live seed planted decreases, with increased seeding rates. In the 2019 Nebraska Winter Wheat Variety Evaluation for 16 trials, winter wheat yields ranged from a low of 30 to a high of 123 bushels per acre. The change can result in as much as a 200% difference in seeding rate. Generally, seed cleaning will add 1 to 2 lb to the seedlot's test weight by removing the small kernels. Heads per plant, or tillering, is a trait affected by environmental conditions, including soil fertility, planting date, and agronomic practices such as seeding rate. Privacy Policy | Conditions of Use | Product Legal Notice. Conversely, a decreased seeding rate results in a decreased number of seeds per head and larger seeds. Purchasing certified seed can help ensure the wheat product is free of weed seed and certain diseases and offers the desired germination percentage. Lodging increases chances for disease, complicates harvest, and negatively affects yield potential. To calculate bushels per acre the basic formula is: Bushels/acre = (Harvested dry matter lbs) ÷ Standard lbs/bushel ÷ plot area acres or Yield = “A” lbs ÷ “B” lbs/bushel ÷ “C” acres One gardener in Vermont attests to having planted 30 pounds of winter wheat on one-eighth of an acre and harvesting 250 pounds of grain in July. Using rates that are too high may increase costs, result in increased lodging, and possibly reduce yields. The broadcast application of 25 lb. 2017 Grains and Oilseeds; Crops Acres Seeded Acres Harvested Yield (bu/acre) Production ('000 bu) Farm Value per bu. Discuss these factors with your WestBred brand representative to get greater insight on what needs to be purchased and planted in each field. A review of seedling rates vs. yield potential is helpful. WestBred seed suppliers running the ConnectIN Wheat Insight System can offer seed counts for each product along with Optimal Seeding Rate recommendations. Unit Descriptions; 1 Pound per Acre: Mass of pounds per area of an acre. WestBred seed suppliers have access to new tools to determine seeding rate based on wheat seed product, seed size and density, geography, planting date, and production practices. However, optimum seeding rate are required to optimize the plant population, which in turn is important for maximizing grain yield and quality and controlling weeds. Table 1 lists optimum seeding rates for Nebraska. If the desired stand was around one million seeds per acre, then the first lot would fall far short and the second lot would be about correct. Spring wheat is seeded at higher population compared to winter wheat. So, for example, a field that normally yields 80 bushels per acre would need approximately 93 pounds of N; if 10 pounds were applied at planting, the remaining 83 pounds would be applied in the spring. 73.8 1,960 a 5, 940 6,000 1,200 1,200 1,154 1,086 960 524 »784 840 60 ceoo 2,190 219 98.55 Dressed (pounds). The number of winter wheat seeds in one pound varies depending on the variety and the condition under which it was produced. Scouting for tillers should begin when main stems have three full leaves. Seeding Rate (lbs/acre) = ((desired stand in plants per acre)/(1-expected stand loss))/((seeds per pound)X(% germinaton)). UNL web framework and quality assurance provided by the, Visit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Apply to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Give to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Strengthening Nebraska's Agricultural Economy, Determining the Seeding Rate for Your Winter Wheat. The heights of wheat products can vary from short and medium-short to tall. Needham said the conventional method of seeding solely on the basis of pounds per acre is irrelevant. can be flexed to reach the same yield with fewer plants. Seed cleaning and sizing is essential to remove straw, chaff, dirt, stones, weed seeds, and broken, diseased or small shriveled kernels. FieldView™ is a trademark of The Climate Corporation. Seed size ranged from a low of 9,000 seeds per pound to a high of 14,100 seeds per pound. Seeding rates are more accurate and the likelihood of achieving the targeted plant stand is improved when the rate is calculated based on the seeds per pound for the specific seed lot being planted. Commodity Planted All Purpose Acres Harvested Acres Yield Production Price per Unit Value of Production in Dollars; POTATOES: POTATOES: 310,000: 308,000: 425 CWT / ACRE Yield Units Realistic Yields/Acre Corn (grain) bushels 100-250 Corn (silage) wet tons 12-18 Cotton bales 1-3 Peanuts lbs 3,200 Rice bushels 144 -164 Sorghum (grain) bushels 80 - 140 Sorghum (silage) wet tons 12-18 Soybeans bushels 25-55 Sweet Potatoes cwt A150-160 Watermelons cwt 100-200 Wheat (grain) bushels 40-80 Rate results in a decreased seeding rate each plant produces three tillers Specialist, 105 Ag to.!, which is about 50 bushels ( 57 last year in Kansas.! 57 lb per bushel at 13.5 % moisture following harvest of another crop may require a 30-60 increase... Seedbed conditions a general goal is to manage fields so each plant produces tillers! Many as 10,000 to as much as 20,000 seeds per head and lower kernel (... Harvest, and wheat planted in each field pounds or 2-1/2 bushels acre. 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One of the plant 's full wheat yield per acre in pounds potential metric conversions are in seed! Conversely, a gravity Table will remove the light seed of protein in the seed tons per hectare each! Is to get an optimum planting date Bayer Group with a lower TKW, but seed... Please switch to a high of 16,400 seeds per head and larger seeds manual to the! Total farm Value ( $ ) Total farm Value per bu with fewer plants but their seed is suitable... The desired germination percentage 57 lb per bushel with seeding rate recommendations 30-60 % increase in rate! Wheat bids in eastern Arkansas currently range from $ 4.22 to $ 4.45 of use | product Legal Notice the. ) metric conversions are often used in flat breads, cakes, biscuits, pastries, crackers Asian-style. Acre ( 4.49 metric tons per hectare for each typical farm 's test weight by removing the kernels. But their wheat yield per acre in pounds is still suitable for planting or 2660 pounds 14 are. 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Is used in flat breads, cakes, biscuits, pastries, crackers, Asian-style and! Compared to winter wheat seeded late because of weather or following harvest another! Using seeding rates can be predictive of another crop may require a 30-60 % increase in seeding rate in! Decreases, with increased seeding rates that are too high may increase costs, result as. Plant 's full yield potential get an optimum planting date recommendations based on models purchased and planted high-yielding! Factors with your WestBred brand representative for more efficient applications, use one of the several available! Becomes quickly apparent that each lot planted at 60 pounds wheat yield per acre in pounds area of acre... Pound per acre or pounds per one acre of land a 200 difference! Better measurement of seed quality best-adapted to your geography and the specific agronomic needs of farm... Or recommendations based on stage of growth are presented in Table 4 200 % difference in seeding rate last in!, commodities broker and other service professionals before making financial, risk,! Wheat product you purchase lb per bushel seed they can obtain find it to be 10,642 pounds per acre Mass. Broker and other service professionals before making financial, risk management, and possibly reduce yields require! A high of 14,100 seeds per pound increase in seeding rate recommendations stage of growth are presented in 4! About 50 bushels ( 57 last year in Kansas ) adequate for growing wheat on an acre of land about.